Aaron Boone says it’s ‘possible’ Aaron Judge could return soon

Exactly when is unclear, but manager Aaron Boone said it's "possible" the slugging right fielder could return for the Yankees next homestand beginning Sept. 8 with the Colorado Rockies.

"I think it's possible, I'm not going to put a date on it, but I think those things are in play now," Boone told reporters in Los Angeles before the team's 10-1 loss to the Angels Monday night.

"It's about getting the durability and the workload built up on him, which is the biggest thing now."

The Yankees host the Rockies Sept. 8-10 before hosting the rival Mets Sept. 11-13.

Judge has been sidelined since June 5 with a right rib fracture, but is with the team in California and is ramping up baseball activities. He still needs to face high-velocity pitching "during pregame workouts in Anaheim and San Diego," per MLB.com.

"He's doing well, he's here to continue to ramp up baseball activities so we're getting closer but feel good where he's at," Boone said.

Judge is on record saying he doesn't want a minor-league rehab assignment.

"I'll sign up for whenever he's ready," Yankees GM Brian Cashman told The Athletic , "and what that date happens to be is yet to be determined. I'll sign up for making sure we get him back and he's fully capable and prepared for what comes next, which is obviously going to be a grind. He's going to step into a fast-moving, fast-paced game, but he knows what he's getting into."

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